Roads, footpaths and gardens around Devonport’s ferry terminal have been given a $3 million overhaul, just weeks before the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels are due to start carrying passengers.
The federally funded work is aimed at giving the hundreds of thousands of visitors who arrive by ferry each year a better first impression of Tasmania.
It comes as ferry operator TT-Line prepares to bring its two new ships, Spirit of Tasmania IV and V, into service at the end of October, in time for the summer holiday season.
That launch has been a long time coming.
The ships were built in Finland and completed more than a year ago but have sat idle while a new berth was built at Devonport.
The cost of the berth blew out from an initial $90 million to $493 million.
The streetscape works included new kerbing, line marking, road resurfacing and more than 400 metres of new footpath and cycle path.
Crews also planted at least 28 semi-mature trees and landscaped more than 3,000 square metres.
New signs now point visitors from the wharf towards the city centre and visitor centre.
Federal Braddon MP Anne Urquhart said the upgrades would provide a “modern, vibrant and visually appealing” welcome to the city.
“Devonport is the front door for many tourists and it’s crucial that their first impression reflects the beauty and character of our region,” she said.
“By investing in quality infrastructure, public art and landscaping, we’re not only improving amenity for locals but also strengthening our appeal as a destination.”
The new ships are expected to carry around 600,000 visitors a year.
